Report from the Molecular Tools Team
NAAIC 2012
What would we change in the Goals and Objectives?
Include developing biotechnology technical tools in the short/medium/long
term objectives. Candidate genes identified by mapping and other methods
need to be tested for function by ectopic expression or gene knockouts,
which require developing transgenic plants. A number of novel traits are
being introduced into alfalfa and these traits are followed in progeny using
molecular markers specific for each transgene.
Potential goals under biotechnology include: (1) developing standard
protocols and materials for biotechnology applications, (2) database on
vectors and promoters for use in alfalfa to be posted on the NAAIC website.
Develop standard protocols for phenotyping mapping populations. Although
standard tests are available, they may need to be modified from the seedling
assays to accommodate adult plants and vegetative cuttings. Have test
protocols posted on the web site.
Facilitate group purchases of chips (or other platforms) for genotyping to
reduce costs.
Develop a molecular tools site on the NAAIC webpage with marker resources
(such as SSR and SNP markers), genetic maps and protocols.
Moving forward and what is next?
Ask Maria Monteros to update the section as some goals have progressed
over the past 2 years. Specifically, the marker platforms and reference
genome research has progressed significantly.
Finalize the white paper, have it available to the membership (website) and
communicate regularly about progress.
Identify leaders to facilitate group communication and collaboration.
Continue and expand the industry-Noble-ARS collaboration to more traits.
Establish new partnerships between industry-university-Noble-ARS
scientists for marker-trait development.